The Structural Heart team at Via Christi is, once again, leading the way when it comes to innovative heart procedures, making it so Kansans continue to get the best care, close to home.
On March 19, 2024, Via Christi’s interventional cardiologist, Bassem Chehab, MD, along with cardio-thoracic surgeon Brett Grizzell, MD, and their team successfully completed the very first case of the ENVISION clinical trial. ENVISION is a global trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Abbott Navitor transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) system, which is meant to treat patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis who are considered intermediate or low surgical risk. Dr. Chehab serves as the National principal investigator in charge of the clinical trial.
“It’s important to have multiple options for intermediate and low-risk patients, especially a valve that can provide excellent blood flow and circulation, as Navitor does for my patients,” said Dr. Chehab, medical director of the Via Christi Structural Heart program.
Sponsored by Navitor TAVI device maker Abbott, the trial study will involve approximately 1,500 subjects, with procedures taking place at up to 95 sites globally. Subjects in this clinical investigation will be randomized between the Navitor TAVI system (test arm) and any commercially available TAVI system (control arm) in a 1:1 ratio. Since March 19, 2024, Dr. Chehab and team have performed the trial’s first four cases.
Dr. Brett Grizzell says this procedure creates less of a strain on patients. “The Navitor is a less intensive treatment choice for those dealing with severe aortic stenosis. It’s particularly suited for patients who, due to their age or health conditions, may find conventional open-heart surgery too risky.”
This case is the latest example for the Via Christi Structural Heart team, showing the leading work they’re doing for cardiovascular patients in need of quality care.
